Washington Supreme Court

The Washington Supreme Court and Lawyer Discipline

The Washington Supreme Court has exclusive responsibility in Washington state to administer the lawyer discipline and disability system and to maintain appropriate standards of professional conduct. The Supreme Court delegates authority for the operation of that system to the Washington State Bar Association through the Office of Disciplinary Counsel and the Washington Supreme Court's Disciplinary Board and hearing officers. Only the Supreme Court can suspend or disbar a lawyer. All lawyers admitted to practice law in Washington are subject to lawyer discipline.

The lawyer discipline system protects the public by holding lawyers accountable for ethical misconduct. Under Title 13 of the Washington Supreme Court's Rules for Enforcement of Lawyer Conduct, disciplinary actions include admonition, reprimand, suspension up to three years, disbarment, restitution, and probation.

The Washington Supreme Court issues written opinions in disciplinary cases it considers. Read recent written opinions that have been issued: